Stronger communifcation and cooperation efforts between South Korea
and Canada to address “North Korean human rights issues,” including
the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors
Minister Kim Yung Ho meets with Canadian Ambassador to South Korea
Tamara Mawhinney (November 13)
On November 13, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho met with Tamara
Mawhinney, Canadian Ambassador to South Korea, and exchanged views on
the state of the Korean Peninsula, North Korea policies, and North
Korean human rights.
Minister Kim expressed gratitude for Canada’s significant
contributions to the “defense of freedom and peace on the Korean
Peninsula” as a participating country in the Korean War and a part of
the UN forces. Moreover, the minister asked for the Canadian
government’s support and cooperation regarding the issues of the
denuclearization of North Korea, North Korean human rights, and the
forced repatriation of North Korean defectors.
In response, Ambassador Mawhinney explained that Canada is actively
working to improve human rights in North Korea at the embassy level,
and expressed her hope for closer cooperation with the South Korean government.
In addition, both sides agreed that their relationship is developing
further as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their
commitment to cooperate more closely.
